Last Updated on December 25, 2020 by Kimberly Crawford
Espresso machines differ in sizes, capacity, control options, and portability. To choose the best one, you need to know about their functionality first.
Coffee is a great part of the everyday routine. Nothing feels better than the first cup of coffee to help you freshen your mind and body for the day ahead.
Coffee shops have become extremely popular because of our love for coffee. If you think about it, buying an espresso machine seems more feasible than buying a cup of coffee every day outside.
There are a few types of different espresso machines in the market, and choosing the right one for your needs can be a bit tricky.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Choosing An Espresso Machine
As a highly complex beverage, you can get overwhelmed by the many ways of making espresso. Espresso offers customization to a great extent.
It would be best if you found out what suits you the most. Before deciding what type of coffee machine you should go for, ask yourself a few quick questions. Are you a regular or occasional espresso consumer? How many people will you serve at a time with the machine? Do you prefer button-optimized espresso machines or the conventional ones? Find out the answers to know what to buy.
15 Different Types Of Espresso Machines
Before discussing espresso machine types, it’s vital to understand how these machines work. That will give you a clear idea of what machine is the right one for you.
1. Semi-Automatic Machines
These machines are the perfect ones for brewing. You finally get relief from the stress of brewing. It further offers steaming milk. You can fine-tune the coffee-making process to some extent.
The best superautomatic espresso machine also comes with built-in grinders, so you can save both time and money with one of these at your disposal.
2. Automatic Machines
An upgrade of the semi-automatic machine, it relieves you of all the worries related to brewing & boiling time. All you need to do is set up the timer. The machine will require zero to none of your help. Don’t have any experience? You won’t need any!
However, these automatic machines offer only a few customizations. That’s the only visible downfall of it.
3. Super-Automatic Machines
Unlike the automatic espresso machines, this machine offers an additional feature: the grinding of coffee beans for you. That said, you can taste the freshest coffee now.
However, these pre-installed grinders in the coffee machine may not be a great grinder compared to the manual or electric ones.
4. Ultra-Automatic Espresso Machines
The ultra-automatic machine takes making coffee a step further. With all the features of a super espresso machine present in this ultra one, it also offers a milk-steaming facility. You can try your hand at lattes & cappuccinos too.
5. Reservoir Espresso Machines
These espresso machines are becoming widely popular among houses & offices. You won’t need to connect any water supply line to the machine since it has a built-in reservoir to contain the water.
You can move it to any of your desired places, but you need to clean it quite often, & you have to fill the water reservoir when it’s empty.
6. Direct Connect Espresso Machines
This type requires the installation of a water supply. As you get an endless water supply, you can make espresso in a large quantity. Chances of the machine wearing out are less here.
However, you can’t move it around. So think carefully before installing it. Moreover, you will need professional plumbers to install the waterline.
7. Volumetric Espresso Machines
Volumetric espresso machines are costlier. They work based on the water flow from your source. If a calm, consistent coffee is your every day’s target, it’s highly effective.
It offers a little customization & ignores volume or grind size.
8. Single Boiler Machines
This is, by far, one of the cheapest coffee machines with excellent features. It is small & movable. The milk steaming option is also available in it.
The downside is it takes too much time after each shot. Commercial use is out of the question in this case.
9. Double Boiler Machines
Unlike the single boiler machines, it has separate boilers to heat water & milk, respectively. That said, cooling down is not an issue in its case. Also, the addition of milk boiling is a plus point.
However, it is huge & quite expensive too in comparison with the single boiler one.
10. Heat-Exchanging Espresso Machines
This machine overcomes the problem of bulkiness. At the same time, it offers two boilers. Cooling downtime is zero to none. It is relatively cheaper than the double boilers, but the brewing temperature is hard to control for these machines.
11. Manual Espresso Machines
If you want total control over the brewing time for the espresso, this machine is for you. By applying pressure manually, you can control the brewing way & customize your espresso just like you want.
You will need to practice it a few times to get the hang of it. However, the manual machines do look much cooler with custom made vintage coffee mug holders.
12. Steam-Driven Machines
Steam-driven espresso machines are almost similar to the manual ones. Though you won’t need manual labor, you certainly will require experience. Delicious espressos are the main attraction of this machine.
13. Pump-Driven Machines
Pump-driven espresso machines are one of the most popular ones these days because of their quality espresso shots without manual labor. They are somewhat cheaper than the steam-driven machines.
14. Pod Espresso Machines
Pods machines are also becoming popular, like the Nespresso & Keurig machines, due to their compact sizes & convenience. You don’t have to worry about the measurements or weighting here. The latest coffee pods can even be good for the environment.
15. Stovetop Machines
For beginners, the simple, compact stovetop machines are the best bet. Also, they are comparatively cheaper than all the others. If you have a farmhouse designed kitchen, then a stovetop espresso machine is just what you need to match the vibe.
However, you won’t be able to customize at all as you have no control over the brewing time.
Final Thoughts
There are many options to go for if you are thinking of having a coffee machine. But study the machines thoroughly before purchasing as they may not be suitable for your specific needs. Don’t worry if you are new to the espresso world. There are suitable ones for beginners too.
